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Book Review On Last Dance in Havana by Rosanna Ley

Rosanna Ley has written numerous articles and stories for magazines. A long time creative writing tutor, she now runs writing holidays and retreats in stunning locations in the UK and abroad. When she is not traveling, Rosanna lives in West Dorset by the sea.

Cuba, 1958Elisa is only sixteen years old when she meets Duardo and she knows he’s the love of her life from the moment they first dance the rumba together in downtown Havana. But Duardo is a rebel, determined to fight in Castro’s army, and Elisa is forced to leave behind her homeland and rebuild her life in distant England. But how can she stop longing for the warmth of Havana, when the music of the rumba still calls to her?England, 2012

Grace has a troubled relationship with her father, whom she blames for her beloved mother’s untimely death. And this year more than ever she could do with a shoulder to cry on – Grace’s career is in flux, she isn’t sure she wants the baby her husband is so desperate to have and, worst of all, she’s begun to develop feelings for their best friend Theo. Theo is a Cuban born magician but even he can’t make Grace’s problems disappear. Is the passion Grace feels for Theo enough to risk her family’s happiness?

My Review

Would you just take a minute to soak in the front cover!… I could quit happily jump into this cover. The tropical feel, from the palm tree leaves creeping at the top of the cover, the beautiful blue sky to the pink flowers outlining the bottom section of the cover. The scene on the cover shows a typical Havana street with white buildings and an old car. A lady in a pretty pink sun-dress and sun had is walking the street gazing at her surroundings. Rosanna’s name is coloured in white and is a the top of the cover and the title is coloured in a rich pink; which ties in with the flowers and the lady’s dress. I really like this cover a lot! It ticks all the boxes for me, its eye-catching, the title and author’s name stands out; what’s not to love about it?

I brought Last Dance in Havana on a rear shopping trip to a book shop. On having previously heard a lot of amazing things about Rosanna’s books, plus the book is set in a place that interests me, so how could I not buy this book?

The first chapter the reader meet’s Elisa (in the 50’s) when she was sixteen, as she falls madly in love with Duardo after they share their first rumba dance together. Only Duardo is a rebel; set out to join Castro’s army. Elisa’s family highly disagree with their relationship and try desperately to keep them apart. The pair run away desperate to stay together especially when there was so much uncertainty in their country. However Duardo leaves Elisa to go off and fight leaving her all alone and afraid. She does the only thing she can and that’s to return home to her parent’s. On her return they are about to leave Havana and head off for a better life in the UK.

Then the story fast forward to 2012 and we meet Grace; Elisa’s stepmother. Grace has got herself in a bind, with not just her career, but is also very unsure about starting a family with her husband and now she has started to develop feelings for their Cuban friend Theo. She also has father (Philip) issues; blaming him for the death of her mother, with all his drinking; which he continues to do now. Will Grace and her father confront the past before it’s to late? Will Elisa do the same? Will Elise ever return to Cuba? Is Grace going to risk everything of Theo? Or will she start a family with her husband? Are these women happy?

I really enjoyed devouring Last Dance in Havana! It was everything I thought it would be! The plot of the story was so intriguing that I knew there was very little chance of me putting this book down. I felt for both Elisa and Grace as they try to deal with Philips alcoholism, and they way the hold so much of their emotions inside until they can’t any longer. I thought the way the story flipped from the past to present; filling in the reader in on the history of Elisa. I adored Elisa’s and Grace’s friendship and how supportive they were to each other in times of need, I found it endearing! The story was very rich in Cuban culture and history, so not only did I enjoy the actual story but I learnt a bit about Cuba!

This is the first book of Rosanna’s I have read and defiantly plan to seek more of her wonderful books. I think Last Dance in Havana is a top read in my eye’s, and come’s highly recommended for me!!!!!!